In an exclusive interview with Safari India Senior Correspondent Joyita Dutta, the Chief Operating Officer of Machan Resorts, Rakshit Sharma, has outlined a major expansion plan for the sustainable hotel company. Machan Resort is foraying into the highly competitive Delhi NCR market and plans to list the company via an initial Public Offering (IPO) in the next few years. Watch the video here: A Trailblazing Journey in Hospitality With over 20 years of experience in hospitality, Rakshit Sharma"s transition from human resources to leading operations has been a journey deep-rooted in a people-first philosophy. As the Chief Operating Officer of Machan Resorts, he has seamlessly integrated his passion for guest experience with a commitment to sustainability. Reflecting on his journey, Rakshit says, “It was an opportunity to work where my heart truly lay—where I could make a difference, not only to people and guests but also to the environment. Working towards biodiversity and making Mother Earth a better place to live in was something The Machan was already doing so well.” Rakshit is now planning big and has, for the first time, unveiled a mega expansion plan in an exclusive interview with Safari India. The Big Plan The Machan Resort has been in the sustainability hospitality business for over three decades when terms like carbon neutral, emissions and AQI were Greek. Earlier this year, the Machan outlined plans for expanding to five new geographies. These were in Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and Jawai in Rajasthan, as well as Mulshi and Pawna near Lonavala in Maharashtra with the properties slated to open between 2024 and 2025. The Machan is now on a bold growth trajectory. Current projects include resorts in Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and, interestingly, Delhi NCR, which Rakshit has spoken about for the first time. The company plans to grow from 50 to 1,500 keys over the next four years. Key properties under development include The Mist by The Machan, an upscale offering launching in Jawai by Q1 next year, and Moments by The Machan, an upper midscale brand set to debut in Karjat. Existing properties like The Machan in Lonavala and Legacy by Machan in Mandawa have set eco-luxury benchmarks. Plans are also afoot to develop properties in Navi Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Goa, bolstering the brand"s inventory to approximately 350 keys within the next few months—a 10x growth for a boutique-style hotel. “Going by the boutique size of our company, it"s humongous. It"s a 10x growth that we"re looking at in another 3, 4 months,” said The Machan COO. Efforts are also underway to build internal capabilities to support growth in the culturally rich and biodiverse North East region. Future plans include developing fully owned Machan properties while leveraging the area's unique appeal to complement the brand's eco-luxury positioning. Each of the new properties will contribute to The Machan's status as Asia"s first carbon-neutral hotel. Sustainability at the Core From its inception, The Machan has been a pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality. Solar energy powers its operations, and 80% of its greywater is recycled for landscaping. Building without cutting trees is a guiding principle, with structures that harmonize with the surrounding natural environment. The upcoming Mulshi property, spread over 45 acres, exemplifies this ethos. This mixed-use development, comprising villas and a 5-star deluxe wellness resort, is set to begin operations within 2–2.5 years. It emphasizes carbon neutrality and innovative eco-designs. Initial Public Offer Soon Rakshit emphasizes that Machan"s growth strategy is underpinned by sustainability and strong financials. The company boasts a 48% EBITDA year-on-year, 92% occupancy, and an ADR of ₹25,400. In the exclusive interview with Safari India, Rakshit said that while the company remains self-funded, it is exploring an IPO within 2–3 years to support its ambitious plans. New Talent A management-first approach ensures consistent brand standards, as demonstrated by the recent onboarding of Sakshi Sarmandal as Director of Talent and Culture. Rakshit shares, "With extensive experience in domestic and international talent development initiatives, Sakshi will be instrumental in driving The Machan"s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda forward." Her efforts focus on fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation within the organization, ensuring alignment with its eco-conscious mission. Regional Focus and Pan-India Vision Gurgaon is a key focus area for The Machan"s north India expansion, serving as a regional strategic hub for growth. Rakshit hinted that efforts are underway to establish a presence in the culturally rich and biodiverse Northeast, leveraging the area"s unique appeal to enhance the brand"s eco-luxury positioning. With plans to develop wholly owned properties in untapped markets, The Machan is crafting a legacy beyond hospitality, creating spaces where luxury meets responsibility.